Thursday, November 11, 2010

Edward and Bigfoot


Edward and Bigfoot

Edward is a dog who sleeps on my feet when it’s cold.
He stands at the window and waits for me to arrive home safely, as the photo above clearly shows. 
 He is a fellow who goes with me everywhere, is enthusiastic and cheerful about everything, and makes me laugh everyday. 
Edward would defend me to the end. 
 So please bear this in mind as you read my latest......

It was the day before Halloween and I had come to the pet store with a list.  In this, the tenth year of my tenure as Neighbourhood Dog Show organizer, (something for which I blame Sister Parish) it was my responsibility to put together the winning basket for the soon to be crowned Top Dog.  So I gathered up gourmet biscuits shaped like ghosts and jack-o-lanterns to go with the big blue ribbon and golden trophy I’d had engraved, and headed over to the toy aisle.  
Let’s see, would it be the fat grey whale that made glugglug sounds when bitten in just the right place?  
Or maybe the hedgehog that grumbled.
  Or wait.... what was that?  
Over in the corner sat a furry black monster of sorts, with a toothy, malevolent grin on his face.  His tag informed me that his name was Bigfoot.  He squeaked appropriately, and to my delight, I discovered that when one of his long arms was pulled, the corresponding leg got shorter, and when one of his legs was pulled, the corresponding arm... well you get the idea.  Needless to say, he was perfect.  I purchased my loot and headed for home, tickled with the bounty the winner was due to receive.

Still with much to do before the Dog Show next day, I threw my shopping bags on the red damask chair in my office, and sat down to catalog the fifteen contestants.  I soon became aware of a slight rustling sound behind me.  Turning to look, I spied Edward, well, part of Edward, as he was standing up on the chair, with his big white head submerged deep inside the red shopping bag wherein sat the Bigfoot toy.  Now, in his defense, Edward loves toys.  He really does.  He carries them around with him.  He employs them as pillows during his long afternoon naps.  Without prompting, he  brings them in from the back garden at dusk, lest they get ruined by inclement weather.  I’m not kidding.  But this was not meant to be his toy.  He hadn’t even seen it, hidden as it had been inside the bag on the chair.  But somehow, he knew it was there.  I stood up hurriedly to snatch Bigfoot away but, as his head slowly rose from the depths of the shopping bag - Bigfoot held securely in his jaws - Edward cut his big brown eyes my way and I knew I was licked.  Edward would have his Bigfoot and I could see myself, clearly, driving home from a return visit to the pet shop later that night, with a hedgehog that would remain in the car until showtime.

I ask you, what would you have done?


64 comments:

  1. I'm a new reader to your blog and must say I have fallen in love with Edward. I love your writing style and all the things you post about.

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  2. Oh, he looks so happy with Bigfoot! Edward is irresistable!

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  3. I am laughing *out loud* this very moment...Edward love, you would have wonout at my house too! The last photo is priceless and so is this post! :D

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  4. Yup, I would have capitulated. No question. Oh, dear Edward!!

    H.H.

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  5. Edward and Bigfoot and their Marvelous Adventures. It would make a great book for children and childlike adults around the world. Oh, yeah, I would have done the the same as you, Pamela.

    As always, well written.

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  6. He is so cute how could you not let him have it.
    I think I would have purchased 3 toys one for the basket, one for Edward and one for his sibling.
    He does remind me of our Kelly girl her nose would be in every box or bag that came through our doors thinking there was something always inside for her. xo

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  7. Yes, is the only thing you could say...edward is too appealing to say no to...

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  8. Oh...yes....I'd have given him the Big Foot! I used to have a little dachshund that was crazy for rubber hamburgers. It had to be one particular brand...the really soft ones that squeaked.

    She could smell them out. No luck wrapping them and putting them under the tree. This dog LOVED to open wrapped packages. She'd rip them right open.

    One summer, I went home to visit my parents. My Mom and sister knew how much Puddin (the dog) loved those rubber hamburgers and they found them on sale...so they bought eight of them thinking they had presents for her for a few years.

    So one day we are sitting in the living room and we hear a loud crash. We run to the source of the sound....the back bedroom/sewing room. We get there just in time to find Puddin with her head in a sack and on top of a bookcase.

    She'd smelled the sack full of hamburgers even though they were all in their packages. She'd jumped up on the sewing bench and then up to the bed, climbed over the night stand and then up on the bookcase where she'd caused a bunch of stuff to fall...but she'd gained her prize.

    We didn't have the heart to take them from her and let her have them all.

    She was crazy for toys too and up till she was about 8 would not sleep without a toy in bed with her. If she got in bed and forgot one. She'd jump out of the bed and return with a toy to sleep with.

    At the time, I was collecting antique raggedy ann's and had them in a rocking chair in the living room. I came home one day from work to find she'd moved them all to the sofa and was sleeping in the middle of them. She just loved stuffed toys. She never tore them up though. She just liked to carry them around and put her head on them.

    She also had a little rubber pink pig...that she would kill you over. If anyone came in the house and said, "Now where is the pink pig?" She would go nuts, barking at you and growling....she did not want anyone messing with her pink pig.

    The dogs I have now are not as crazy for them....I think because they have each other.

    I love hearing about Edward...makes me want a sheep dog.

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  9. Oh...yes....I'd have given him the Big Foot! I used to have a little dachshund that was crazy for rubber hamburgers. It had to be one particular brand...the really soft ones that squeaked.

    She could smell them out. No luck wrapping them and putting them under the tree. This dog LOVED to open wrapped packages. She'd rip them right open.

    One summer, I went home to visit my parents. My Mom and sister knew how much Puddin (the dog) loved those rubber hamburgers and they found them on sale...so they bought eight of them thinking they had presents for her for a few years.

    So one day we are sitting in the living room and we hear a loud crash. We run to the source of the sound....the back bedroom/sewing room. We get there just in time to find Puddin with her head in a sack and on top of a bookcase.

    She'd smelled the sack full of hamburgers even though they were all in their packages. She'd jumped up on the sewing bench and then up to the bed, climbed over the night stand and then up on the bookcase where she'd caused a bunch of stuff to fall...but she'd gained her prize.

    We didn't have the heart to take them from her and let her have them all.

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  10. That was precious! Love the story and Edward...my heartstrings are always pulled about pets. I am dogless almost a year now and I get very teary when I read such sweet stories! He's a treasure and I enjoy reading about him and seeing his pictures. I would have caved in about the toy too! I mean who wouldn't?

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  11. I think I know exactly the kind of look Edward must have given you...

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  12. Edward is a Prince of a dog! This story could have no other outcome, you don't deny royalty their every whim! :)

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  13. Beautiful Edward deserves the prize, it goes without saying really. Three cheers for Edward!

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  14. Done?

    Ditto. For how can we resist their wily ways ;>}

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  15. We both roared with laughter when we read about the head in the basket routine. So familiar. Life with PON's. And to think someone once asked on the blog if we would ever have any other type of dog.

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  16. What else Pamela? Just as I rendered my half eaten apple to my granddaughter's horse Poppy when I was hungry, who can resist the eyes of a special person??? Certainly not I!

    Superb photo of Edward.

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  17. Oh, bless Edward! I hope he enjoys his new playmate - I would have given in too:)

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  18. LOL!! What a delightful post, Pamela!!

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  19. Dear Pamela, A delightful story and one that is beautifully told. I can so easily picture the whole scene. It would, indeed, be a very hard person unable to give in to Edward's every whim. I know that I should allow him everything, and more besides!

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  20. I think the matter is clear: Edward IS Top Dog. Both pictures of him are so adorable . . . for that reason alone he gets the toy! (I think the finders keepers rule probably applies, too.)

    Just yesterday, I was reading a chapter from Henry Huggins to one of the little boys that I tutor. Do you remember his mutt Ribsy? They are at a dog show and Ribsy wins "Most Unusual" dog.

    I don't know if you saw my comment, but I bought some Horlick's for you yesterday. Just send me your address and I will send it to you posthaste!

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  21. I would have kissed him, hugged him, and told him I loved him!
    Edward is irresistible!

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  22. This story makes me so happy. I can't possibly express how much.

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  23. well I have to say.. Edward knows what he wants! Cute.

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  24. PRICELESS...I'm a dog groomer of 35 years and sadly have had to give up grooming the big hairy 'Eds' of the world, but the lil' heathens, like my Cairn terrier 'Scratchy' are all welcome still. What would we do without our buds?!!!

    sharon

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  25. Oh Edward looks so proprietary and pleased with himself! Who could resist him, - who would WANT to???

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  26. OH Dear! I would have done the same, of course.

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  27. Exactly the same thing... Pasha has ultimate control over me with his desperate looks.... I'm only completely firm with him when it comes to being outside after dusk - its life or death, so he doesn't get me to cave... I love Bigfoot. I might need one for me!

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  28. Oh Pamela,
    That last photograph is wonderful. Edward just had to have Bigfoot. They are meant to be together!!
    What a wonderful story. XXXX

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  29. Edward is the sort of canine that I would love to cuddle up with!

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  30. How sweet Pamela - of course he can keep Big Foot. He deserved to win the show anyway! LOVE that last photo, priceless.
    Sharon
    My French Country Home

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  31. Who could say no to a face like that! You are putty in his paws.

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  32. I let them have everything, even some of the furniture. I have drawn the line at hamsters. Good old Edward. I just lost my little Violet.
    Best,
    Liz

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  33. Given him Bigfoot of course!
    Edward is a STAR!!!!
    Buster thinks Bigfoot looks pretty cool too.....
    oxoxo

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  34. I keep going back to this photo, and had to write, again, that I adore it!
    He is such a SOUL in a little fur suit,
    as our BEST friends usually are!

    Bravo Edward!

    !! XXX !! XXXXXX !!

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  35. Edward is a very smart dog - there's no doubt about that. There was a brilliant "Nova" show on Montana PBS last night titled "Dogs Decoded"....Fascinating new research into how smart dogs are and what makes them such good companions plus the meaning of dog barks. Hope you get to see it on your PBS Sation Pamela.

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  36. Our Billie loves her stuffed animals....so much that she guts them of their stuffing. Last year I bought a rather expensive stuffed dog for a little niece and put the bag with the other Christmas gifts waiting to be wrapped. Billie found it...it's little leather nose was gnawed by the time I noticed..so she now owned it...but really....no one else in this house EVER gets a stuffed toy ... so she's forgiven

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  37. That is so funny!
    They make a lovely couple.... hi,hi

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  38. It's not my place to sav as this is my first time cornmenting here, but l hope you know what you're doing.

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  39. Well needless to say exactly the same as you!
    Edward gets more handsome all the time

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  40. I would have done the same if I still had my dear Stella with me. That arm to leg trick sounds fun. Edward clearly is a winner. Give him a hug from me. It’s a comfort to get some virtual dog time.

    Stella was a rascal too. Today I got teary tripping on a ball that she left in my room back in September. She’d often leave me one of her toys before taking one of my socks or raiding the upstairs garbage.

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  41. Oh my! I would certainly have given Edward the Bigfoot! They make a gorgeous pair:)

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  42. Your post has made my "starting-out-icky-day" sooooo much better! Thank you and Thank you Edward..and yes. I would be going back to the store as well. He is worth every little pleasure for all the pleasure he brings to all of your readers!

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  43. just as you did pamela. our pooches are so remarkable in sharing their constant love and adoration. he earned it and apparently knew!
    debra

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  44. I just stumbled upon your blog and I am in love with Edward. We have been thinking about getting a dog - maybe a Wheaten Terrier or something similar. What kind of dog is he? I just want to give him a big hug!

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  45. They look like they're meant to be together - beauty and the beast! Leigh

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  46. what would i have done? exactly the same thing :-)

    teddy gets whatever he wants too...don't they just steal your heart? edward is just adorable. whenever i come home ..teddy starts rustling through the bags...cause mama always brings home something special for teddy. and he knows i keep treats and special balls in my purse for when we go and visit the nursing home. all the people there just love to watch teddy play fetch in the courtyard garden. i love wathcing them smile..and softly asking, can i pet him...it melts my heart.

    the last photo of edward is a treasure...

    sending hugs to edward...from teddy...and me

    xxx

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  47. Oh My Word. I would melt into a puddle.

    I LOVE edward!

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  48. There is no way I could have taken bigfoot away from him. I would have had to go out and get another one and hidden it very well.

    Hilarious. Go Edward!

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  49. Edward just "melts" me! <3 He is soooo adorable and you can be sure Bigfoot
    would be all his...too cute!
    :)

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  50. That adorable face, I could deny him nothing unless it was harmful. I know how huge a sheep dogs heart is & it brings a person great joy to reward that sweet soul.

    I think that's terrific you are in charge a neighborhood dog show. So very fun!

    Hugs to Edward x

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  51. He is SOOOO gorgeous and cuddly and wonderful, your own Mr Big Love never mind BigFoot! How could you resist?

    Perfect!
    Hugs from
    Jane

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  52. What a beautiful dog! Go Edward!

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  53. I'm in a coffee shop watching the late afternoon sun turn the trees into blazing fires - Autumn glory - while waiting to get my nails done!!!

    Didn't know Edward was that big! Love him peering through your window, and your tartan wallpaper is fabulous Pamela.......makes me feel like a fire in the hearth this evening. But, my love has gone, flying across the pond tonight to work in MY England for a week, so perhaps I'll wait until he returns as we always celebrate the first fire of the season together!!

    Edward's choice in toys is so funny. Here boy, I have some stuffies lying about from Jasmin's younger days - come on over and take your pick!

    Happy beautiful weekend.

    From my iPad.

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  54. I am afraid Edward has you wrapped around his fuzzy white paw. But I would have done the same, how could anyone deny such a gent as he!

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  55. What a funny adorable story! Edward looks so proud of his discovery. He should get a reward for capturing the illusive Bigfoot after all these years! You did right by a dog that always does right by you... kudos and so cute!

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  56. HIlarious -Brie, the dog, (Wheaten) loves her toys too and anything that can become a toy, like an oven mitt, for instance.

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  57. Oh there is no way I could say no to either of my little girls. My basket is inspected each evening upon arrival, what lovely fun thing did you bring us today, they ask? I adore the pic of Edward at the window, and the tale of Bigfoot...and I LOVE your taste in art for reproduction!

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  58. I am just loving that Edward! And your blog.

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  59. I let them have everything, even some of the furniture. I have drawn the line at hamsters. Good old Edward. I just lost my little Violet. Best, Liz

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!